New England Patriots

New England Patriots news, rumors and injuries

Auburn WR Sammie Coates was being watched intently by the New England Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick at his pro day event Tuesday, March 3. Belichick was the only NFL head coach in attendance Tuesday, and Coates is a candidate to go in the first two rounds of this year's draft. Coates did not re-test on his combine numbers Tuesday, and he just caught passes in positional drills in front of scouts.

Fantasy Tip: Besides some intriguing speed, Coates is billed as a raw talent that could go in the second round next month. The Pats pride themselves on finding fits for raw talents on their roster, so this could be a perfect fit. Until we know for sure where Coates is headed in the draft, it's hard to say what his potential fantasy value in his rookie year will be.

New England Patriots CB Devin McCourty will become a free agent if he is not signed to a long-term deal within eight days. Some expected McCourty to receive the franchise tag, but PK Stephen Gostkowski was tagged Monday, March 2, before the franchise tag deadline.

New England Patriots CB Darrelle Revis could very well become a free agent this offseason as the team is reportedly unlikely to pick up his $20 million option, according to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter. Revis figures to hit the free-agent market for the second year in a row.

New England Patriots impending free-agent RB Stevan Ridley (knee) could be a coup for a team willing to take a chance on his recovery from anterior cruciate ligament surgery this offseason. He's likely to receive an offer for a "prove-it" one-year deal around the $1.25 million range with incentives.

Fantasy Tip: The uncertain future for Ridley as it relates to both free agency and his recovery from ACL makes him a cloudy fantasy football asset entering the 2015 season. Depending on where Ridley lands, he could be worth a stab in the later rounds of standard fantasy drafts for running back depth.

New England Patriots impending free-agent CB Devin McCourty said getting the franchise tag would be a worst-case scenario, but he isn't going to stress over it. McCourty added that he loves it in New England and that the franchise tag is player-friendly.

New York Jets WR Percy Harvin will draw interest from the New England Patriots if he is released by the Jets this offseason. Harvin is unlikely to return to the Jets unless he takes less than the $10.5 million he's owed next season. New England will be one of several teams interested in Harvin if he is let go. The Patriots tried trading for Harvin before he was traded to the Jets last year.

Fantasy Tip: There's still a lot that needs to happen before we can determine his fantasy value for the 2015 season. A new location will probably be good for Harvin, however, especially if it's with Tom Brady and the Patriots.

New England Patriots impending free-agent RB Stevan Ridley (knee) is about four weeks ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Ridley hopes to be able to return to the field in May.

Fantasy Tip: It is not known who Ridley will play for next season, so his value will depend on his next team and his role. Ridley may not be able to find a starting job in free agency, but he should be able to find at least a backup job. Owners should consider Ridley as an option in the later rounds of drafts since he is coming back from the ACL injury.

New England Patriots impending free-agent RB Shane Vereen is expecting a contract worth at least $5 million per season, according to a source. Vereen would like to remain with the Patriots, but there have been no indications on whether the sides are close on a new deal.

Fantasy Tip: Vereen will have more value in point-per-reception leagues no matter where he plays. When healthy, he's worth at least low-end RB2 consideration in PPR leagues and is no more than a flex play in standard scoring leagues.

New England Patriots impending free-agent PK Stephen Gostkowski is unlikely to receive the franchise tag because impending free-agent FS Devin McCourty is a better candidate for it. However, if McCourty signs a long-term deal, Gostkowski could receive the tag, which runs at a price of around $3.75 million this year.

Fantasy Tip: It's hard to imagine the Pats letting Gostkowski walk in free agency. He has plenty of good years left in his leg, and he should remain one of the top fantasy booters in 2015, especially if he stays in New England.